Puzzle



Amigo Q, 1932.

O. M. WESTCOTT PUZZLE Filed April 24, 1931 Inventor Patented Aug. 9, 1932 UNITED STATS Fate PUZZLE Application filed April 24, 1931 Serial No. 532,639. i

This invention relates generally to puzzles wherein a problem is to be solved in the manipulation of certain associated objects, the purpose being the separation or conj oining of the same, whereby to furnish entertainment and educational value.

The invention specifically relates to that general class of puzzles known as Wire puzzles, and particularly to a new and novel ring in and helical coiled spring puzzle the merit and construction of which will be more evident as the description thereof proceeds.

It is the object of this invention to provide a very inexpensive and simply constructed device of the character described which, in spite of its low cost and apparently simple arrangement, affords a high degree of entertainment and requires and develops an unusual degree of skill and analysis.

These and other objects of the invention, its nature, and its composition and arrangement and combination of parts will be readily understood by any one acquainted with the art to which this invention relates upon consulting the following descriptions of the drawing, in which Figure 1 is a general side elevational view of in invention showing the ring element associated therewith.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of Figure 1 showing in dotted line another position of the said ring.

Referring in detail to the drawing, the numeral 5 generally designates a helical coiled spring constructed from suitable spring wire or bar material having a certain resiliency, but, at any rate, having sufficient rigidity to facilitate ordinary handling of the same. The ends of the spring, instead of following the contour of the convolutions of the spring, are curvedly and inwardly directed as at 6 and 7 and they terminate in this plane at the points 8 and 9 approximately at the center of the convolutions of the spring 5. From the points 8 and 9, which are on opposite ends of the spring 5, vertical straight portions 10 and 11 reach almost to the ends or top and bottom of the coiled spring 5. By thisarrangement, the straight vertical portions 10 and 11 are arranged in parallel vertical manher seen very well in Figure 1. For the purposes of illustration, notice should be taken of the arrow in Figure 2 which indicates the direction of the convolutions of the spring 5.

A ring 12 is installedon the two upper convolutions of the spring 5, and from this situation'the puzzle is to be solved or worked. The idea, of course, is to take the ring from the spring and to replace it again. 1

Thering may be removed from the spring by inserting and holding the ring between the vertical members 10 and 11 as shown in Figure 2 then rotating the spring. The ring is by this arrangement run to the opposite end 01 the spring and is released from one convolution. This process is repeated to release the ring from the second convolution. To

replace the ring upon the spring, the ring is placed over the end of one of the vertical members 10 and/or 11, and the spring rotated in the opposite direction until the ring goes about one convolution, at which point the process is repeated so as to bring the ring about two or a pair of the convolutions. It

is important to so hold the ring during the 7 rotation of the spring that the rotation of the spring will cause the ring to properly travel, otherwise, the rotation of the spring 5 will militate against the proper movement of the ring into position ,to be passed about the convolutions to assume the position of engagement or disengagement with the spring as abovedescribed. The dotted line illustration of the ring 12 in Figure 2 illustrates the positioning of the ring in a horizontal relationship as it is being taken oil or replaced upon the spring, the position illustrated showing the ring disposed between the vertical members 10 and 11.

It is to be definitely understood that I do. not desire to limit the application of this invention to the particular modification set out herein to illustrate the principles thereof, and any change or changes may be made in material and arrangement and combination of parts consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is 1. A puzzle of the type described consisting of a helical coil of wire having each end turned toward the center of the convo-lutions thereof and produced toward the opposite end of the coil, a ring encircling at least two adjacent convolutions of the coil.

2. A puzzle of the type described consisting of a helical coil of wire having each end turned toward the center of the convolutions thereof and produced toward the opposite 7 end of the coil, a ring encircling at least two adjacent convolutions of the coil, the produced portion of each of said ends being straight and extended almost to the opposite end of the coil.

3. A puzzle of the type described consisting of a helical coil of wire having each end turned toward the center of the convolutions thereof and produced toward the opposite end of the coil, a ring encircling at least two adjacent convolutions of the coil, the produced portion of each of said ends being straight and extended almost to the opposite end of the coil, said produced portions of the ends of the wire leeing parallel. i

In testimony whereof I affix my signatur ORVEILLE M. WESTOOTT. 

